Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering a mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Aflion Thunder Shadow stand out as distinct options to cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, ideal for those seeking a unique auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow from Aflion offers a tactile bump for enhanced feedback, making it a great choice for those who value tactile response in their keystrokes. The Lightning Silver V3 is silky and smooth, while the Thunder Shadow strikes a balance with its 63.5g bottom-out weight. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Aflion Thunder Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. This material is especially useful for switches intended for use with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the Aflion Thunder Shadow stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile, making the Thunder Shadow a great option for those looking for a more muted typing experience.
One key difference between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Aflion Thunder Shadow is their bottom housing material. While the Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, the Thunder Shadow utilizes a nylon bottom housing. This variation in materials affects the overall sound profile of the switches, with the nylon bottom housing of the Thunder Shadow contributing to a deeper and fuller sound compared to the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3. Despite this difference, both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, ensuring a consistent sharp and resonant sound when pressing down on the keys.
In terms of functionality, the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Aflion Thunder Shadow play a significant role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience. While the polycarbonate top housing of both switches creates a sharp and clear sound, the nylon bottom housing of the Thunder Shadow offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3. The choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Thunder Shadow providing a more muted typing experience, thanks to its nylon bottom housing, while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate bottom housing.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lightning Silver V3 has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Thunder Shadow's unknown actuation force. However, the Thunder Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3's 60 grams. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 may feel smoother and lighter to press for typing or gaming, while the Thunder Shadow may provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Both switches offer a medium actuation force, but the Thunder Shadow leans towards the heavier side when it comes to bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is clear that the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Thunder Shadow's 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are gaining popularity among gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may not be significant enough to be noticeable in actual usage. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the level of key press depth and responsiveness desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
The Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches offer contrasting sound experiences. The Lightning Silver V3 is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow switch offers a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. While the Lightning Silver V3 leans towards a brighter and more percussive sound, the Thunder Shadow maintains a more balanced and moderate sound profile.
When it comes to the typing feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is known for its silky smooth typing experience. These switches offer minimal resistance, allowing for effortless key presses and releases. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch provides an invigorating tactile feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force, resulting in a snappy and reactive typing sensation. While the Lightning Silver V3 aims for a seamless and smooth feel, the Thunder Shadow offers a more tactile and immersive typing experience.
Overall, choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing feel, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you seek a neutral sound profile with an invigorating tactile feedback, the Thunder Shadow switch could be the ideal choice. Whichever switch you opt for, be mindful that the typing experience will also be influenced by factors such as your keyboard build and keycap selection.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, smooth typing experience, and enhanced RGB illumination, then the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a pronounced tactile bump, medium weight feel, and a neutral sound signature, then the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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